Australian Government contributing $307.4 million/Queensland Government contributing $76.8 million to the project, with an estimated 426 jobs being supported over the life of the project

Work is well underway on building a safer road for motorists and freight transport operators driving the Bruce Highway south of Gympie.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien visited the site today to view current works and get an update on progress being made on the ‘Section C' project.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Cooroy to Curra Section C project would link with sections A and B to create a duplicated Bruce Highway from Brisbane to just south of Gympie.

"The Coalition Government's massive investment in the Bruce Highway will improve safety and travel times for heavy vehicles and other drivers, as well as providing savings on infrastructure operating costs. The Section C works south of Gympie are being funded by $307.4 million from the Australian Government, and $76.8 million from the State Government – dollars which will drive safety and efficiency for everyone travelling on this stretch of highway," Mr Chester said.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said the project will deliver 10.5 kilometres of new, four-lane divided highway on a new alignment between the Traveston Interchange and Woondum.

"Works on Section C of the Cooroy to Curra upgrade has surged ahead since the first sod was turned just under 12 months ago. This is one of Queensland's major infrastructure projects with an impressive 1.7 million cubic metres of earth moved since June last year. The project is an important investment that is generating employment opportunities, flow-on benefits for local businesses and is supporting Queensland's economy – it's great to see works progressing well," Mr Bailey said.

Mr O'Brien's site tour included witnessing the start of works on laying asphalt on the new section.

"The Cooroy to Curra four lane project is creating jobs, saving lives and improving access to Wide Bay communities and beyond. The start of this phase of the project follows significant progress being made over the past seven months on clearing and fencing the new highway corridor and undertaking bulk earthworks and bridge piling works," Mr O'Brien said.

"An estimated 426 direct jobs are also expected to be supported over the life of the project, with construction expected to be completed by mid-2018. When completed, the Section C project will deliver a four lane highway from Melbourne to Gympie."